Together it is possible!!

How to cut down the risk or cancer

February 4th is World Cancer Day. This day is to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention and treatment. The theme of the world cancer day of 2012 is ‘Together it is possible’. It truly means to prevent cancer and save lives.
Cancer is the uncontrolled or out of control growth and quick division of abnormal cells in the body which starts forming lumps in the body. There are more than 100 different kinds of cancer. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue such as the lung, skin, bones etc.
The causes of many cancers remain unknown but some factors have been linked to the development of cancer. These factors are known as risk factors. Risk factors can be of two types, the one that are in control like smoking, alcohol etc and the other which are beyond our control.
Symptoms of cancer may vary depending on the type and organ it involves. For example, symptoms of lung cancer can be coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath and so on. Many cancers may not have any symptoms at all.
In certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer symptoms often do not start until the disease has reached an advanced stage and this delays the diagnosis of cancer. This tells us the importance of early detection and screening for cancer.
Research has found that we can decrease our risk of developing cancer substantially by proper diet, exercise and not using tobacco. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables cutting down on red meat and alcohol, no use of tobacco, keeping our weight in control and exercising regularly can change our risk of developing cancer.
Here are some day to day tips to cut down the risk of developing cancer
1. Don’t follow a sedentary lifestyle and exercise regularly.
2. Avoid drinks that are rich in sugars and control the use of high calorie foods.
3. Eat more vegetables, fruits beans, legumes and whole grains.
4. Limit the alcohol intake and consumption of red meat.
5. Decrease consumption of salty foods.
6. Tobacco cessation.